Four Women from Pardhi Gang Arrested in Hyderabad for Sandalwood Theft

Hyderabad, June 14 (Shoukat-PMI) The Jubilee Hills police have apprehended four women—Palan Bai Pardhi, Shahnaj Bai, Nimat Bai, and Madhuri Adivasi—belonging to the Pardhi tribal community of Madhya Pradesh, for their alleged involvement in a series of sandalwood thefts in Jubilee Hills and Madhuranagar areas.

The arrests unveiled a well-organized network of 23 individuals, including men, women, and children. The group, which migrated to Hyderabad about 20 days ago, reportedly posed as families to avoid suspicion while targeting sandalwood trees in the National Institute for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (Ni-MSME) campus in Yousufguda and other surrounding areas.

Organized Crime Operation

Police investigations revealed that around 20 Pardhi families conspired to move to Hyderabad with a detailed plan for systematic sandalwood theft. They disguised their operations under the pretense of family travel to deflect public and police suspicion, gaining the trust of auto drivers and locals while transporting stolen goods.

Targeted Theft

The thefts were carried out in a coordinated manner, with the gang specifically targeting areas rich in sandalwood trees, such as Jubilee Hills and Madhuranagar. “This is not just a random act of theft but a well-planned operation by an organized criminal enterprise,” a senior police official stated.

The stolen sandalwood was reportedly sold to known local smugglers. Police are expanding their investigation to dismantle the gang’s network and identify its connections with regional smuggling operations. Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.

The case is being investigated by Sri. R. Madhusudhan, Addl. Inspector of Jubilee Hills PS and the crime team under the guidance of Sri. K. Venkateshwara Reddy, SHO under the Close supervision of Asst. Commissioner of Police, Jubilee Hills Division, Hyderabad city & Sri. S M Vijay Kumar, Dy. Commissioner of Police, West Zone, Hyderabad city.(pressmediaofindia.com)